http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: Post Powderhall (coming soon??) en Wed, 01 Jul 2026 21:37:22 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14986&page=11#post-384935 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 11:22:52 +0000 chdot 384935@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>“</p> <p>Fresh campaign for green corridor</p> <p>Chris Hill and Andy Arthur’s new website (www.Powderhall.Link) campaigns for creation of a long anticpated green travel corridor between St Mark’s Park and Lochend … and beyond. </p> <p>Below, Hill explains the context.</p> <p>In April, the SNP launched its manifesto. I was very surprised and pleased to read: ‘We will also support efforts to bring the former Powderhall railway line into use as a new walking and cycling route in the capital.’</p> <p>Spurtle readers will recall that the line has been out of use for 10 years. In that time, the Council has been ‘in negotiations’ with Network Rail. How often they talk, or what about, is not public.</p> <p>Newly re-elected MSP Ben Macpherson recently told the Sunday National, ‘I look forward to working with all the bodies involved to make this happen sooner rather than later.’ </p> <p>Transport Scotland says it’s aware of the manifesto commitment but that it’s up to the Council to develop and prioritise projects, then apply for Scottish Govt funding.</p> <p>The Powderhall Link should be much more than just an Active Travel route between the North Edinburgh Path Network and points east. Opening this route would allow people (especially those in nearby flats) to access green space and local destinations more easily.</p> <p>But the same old problems persist. Network Rail still owns the land. DB Cargo UK has a contract to operate freight services until 2119. Uncertainty remains about bridges, structures and liabilities.</p> <p>The SNP must do more to act on its manifesto words.</p> <p>“<br /> P3</p> <p><a href="https://www.broughtonspurtle.org.uk/sites/default/files/backissues/Issue%20363%20final%20HR%5B62%5D.pdf" rel="nofollow">https://www.broughtonspurtle.org.uk/sites/default/files/backissues/Issue%20363%20final%20HR%5B62%5D.pdf</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14986&page=11#post-384929 Tue, 30 Jun 2026 21:11:14 +0000 gembo 384929@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Saw on Facebook a person who doesn’t even own a bike and was punting CM as a good thing. Lot of comments of a deleterious nature. Many asking why we didn’t use the leith walk cycle lane. Ha ha ha. Another asking why we were fat. Another who appeared to be an angry disabled person on crack. Another claiming we are funded by a Marxist Millionaire. Do take care out there folks. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14986&page=11#post-384918 Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:20:08 +0000 chdot 384918@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><a href="http://www.powderhall.link/2026/06/29/parks-important-part-of-p-l-plan/" rel="nofollow">http://www.powderhall.link/2026/06/29/parks-important-part-of-p-l-plan/</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14986&page=11#post-384900 Mon, 29 Jun 2026 07:11:45 +0000 chdot 384900@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>“</p> <p>Saturday saw Edinburgh Critical Mass head out along and around the proposed route, stopping at St. Mark’s Park to hear about the history of the North Edinburgh Path Network and Powderhall Link project from historian and campaigner Andy Arthur. </p> <p>“</p> <p><a href="https://buttondown.com/edi.bike/archive/issue-151-29th-june-26/" rel="nofollow">https://buttondown.com/edi.bike/archive/issue-151-29th-june-26/</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14986&page=11#post-384899 Sun, 28 Jun 2026 10:46:56 +0000 chdot 384899@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55360771419_1cca0c9395_c.jpg"></p> <p>Yesterday’s Critical Mass went to St’s Marks Park and heard Andy outline the history and gradual start/stop/restart development of the NEPN</p> <p>FULL details in the piece here -</p> <p><a href="https://threadinburgh.scot/2026/06/01/rails-to-trails-the-thread-about-how-north-edinburgh-got-its-cycle-paths/" rel="nofollow">https://threadinburgh.scot/2026/06/01/rails-to-trails-the-thread-about-how-north-edinburgh-got-its-cycle-paths/</a></p> <p>Also the next stage(s) being Powderhall to Piershill </p> <p>He told over 100 CMers that it could be much more than ‘just’ an Active Travel route (which CEC don’t, currently, see as a priority) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14986&page=11#post-384872 Thu, 25 Jun 2026 21:31:02 +0000 chdot 384872@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Pow! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14986&page=11#post-384871 Thu, 25 Jun 2026 20:54:33 +0000 SRD 384871@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>wow. you guys really are powerful! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14986&page=11#post-384870 Thu, 25 Jun 2026 18:18:43 +0000 chdot 384870@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><a href="http://powderhall.link/2026/06/25/full-council-agrees-to-motion-on-powderhall/" rel="nofollow">http://powderhall.link/2026/06/25/full-council-agrees-to-motion-on-powderhall/</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14986&page=11#post-384844 Wed, 24 Jun 2026 10:53:19 +0000 chdot 384844@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>“</p> <p>June Critical Mass coming up this Saturday! </p> <p>Besides supporting the <a href="http://www.Powderhall.Link">Powderhall Line campaign</a> the ride will finish at the Edinburgh Climate Festival. </p> <p>Amongst various activities you could win a Bike repair by cycling to power the stage!<br /> See the full program here: </p> <p><a href="http://www.edinburghclimatefestival.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.edinburghclimatefestival.com</a></p> <p>“</p> <p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/edcriticalmass.bsky.social/post/3moyiotofo227" rel="nofollow">https://bsky.app/profile/edcriticalmass.bsky.social/post/3moyiotofo227</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14986&page=11#post-384809 Mon, 22 Jun 2026 10:55:08 +0000 chdot 384809@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>“</p> <p>The Powderhall Link campaign is the focus of this week’s Edinburgh Critical Mass family-friendly mass protest / group ride, leaving at 2pm from Middle Meadow Walk this Saturday 27th; the ride will make a stop for brief talk about the project in St Mark’s Park, before skirting the route of the now-inactive railway line destined for active travel reclamation. Critical Mass shared a map of the expected route to Bluesky and elsewhere. </p> <p>“</p> <p><a href="https://buttondown.com/edi.bike/archive/issue-150-22nd-june-26/" rel="nofollow">https://buttondown.com/edi.bike/archive/issue-150-22nd-june-26/</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14986&page=11#post-384804 Sun, 21 Jun 2026 22:39:26 +0000 chdot 384804@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><a href="http://powderhall.link/2026/06/21/edinburgh-critical-mass-to-visit-p-l/" rel="nofollow">http://powderhall.link/2026/06/21/edinburgh-critical-mass-to-visit-p-l/</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14986&page=10#post-384758 Thu, 18 Jun 2026 01:08:22 +0000 chdot 384758@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>“</p> <p>Motion by Councillor Booth</p> <p>City of Edinburgh Council</p> <p>25 June 2026</p> <p>Powderhall rail line – SNP manifesto commitment</p> <p>Supporting Information</p> <p>Council:</p> <p>1.1 Notes that negotiations with Network Rail have been ongoing for some time over the Powderhall Rail Line, and in particular whether the council could either acquire ownership of the former railway line or secure a legal right of access to allow a new active travel route to be delivered;</p> <p>1.2 Notes the Powderhall Railway Path feasibility study was completed by Jacobs and published on 23 January 2023, which concludes that the estimated construction cost would start at around £4.7m (which does not cover the cost of landscaping and placemaking options, or the railway works required by Network Rail).</p> <p>1.3 Notes that in City Mobility Plan Capital Investment Programme Prioritisation report to Transport and Environment Committee on 22 May 2025, this project was agreed to proceed “with land negotiations and related work only with the aim of moving towards a project that is deliverable in a reasonable / predictable timescale”.</p> <p>1.4 Notes the responses from the Transport and Environment Convenor to questions from Cllr Caldwell at full council on 5 February 2026 and 19 March 2026 on progress to deliver this project.</p> <p>1.5 Notes ongoing maintenance concerns impacting residents along the railway line.</p> <p>1.6 Notes the commitment in the SNP 2026 Holyrood manifesto to “support efforts to bring the former Powderhall railway line into use as a new walking and cycling route in the capital.”</p> <p>Proposed Action/Decision</p> <p>Council agrees:</p> <p>2.1 That the Transport Convenor will write to the new Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport, asking what form their offer of support will take, whether they will engage with the council and Network Rail in the ongoing constructive negotiations to facilitate the transfer of the line to the council, and whether funding will be made available by the Scottish Government to facilitate the next steps in realisation of the project.</p> <p>2.2 That the response to that letter from the Scottish Government will be circulated to Transport and Environment committee members and ward councillors, and included as an appendix to the next Transport and Environment Committee business bulletin;</p> <p>2.3 That a progress update will be included as part of in the annual CMP CIP update report coming to Transport and Environment Committee in the autumn, as previously agreed.</p> <p>Moved by: Councillor Chas Booth</p> <p>Seconded by: Councillor Jack Caldwell</p> <p>“</p> <p><a href="https://democracy.edinburgh.gov.uk/documents/s100360/Item%208.17%20-%20By%20Councillor%20Booth%20-%20Powderhall%20Rail%20Line%20SNP%20Manifesto%20Commitment.pdf" rel="nofollow">https://democracy.edinburgh.gov.uk/documents/s100360/Item%208.17%20-%20By%20Councillor%20Booth%20-%20Powderhall%20Rail%20Line%20SNP%20Manifesto%20Commitment.pdf</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14986&page=10#post-384718 Mon, 15 Jun 2026 19:53:06 +0000 chdot 384718@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>40 years since the Pilton Path</p> <p>Next year is 50 years since the origins of Sustrans (as Cyclebag) - <a href="https://greenwaysandcycleroutes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/cyclebag-story.pdf">a photographic history</a>, Spokes and EBC</p> <p>Time for another path (or .Link) project… </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14986&page=10#post-384717 Mon, 15 Jun 2026 19:45:58 +0000 chdot 384717@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Yep</p> <p>Thanks for all that</p> <p>Useful ‘history’ for those who weren’t around 40 years ago…</p> <p>Your ‘design’ is pretty much what I hope will happen. Tarmac one day perhaps, but get it used first (and faster) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14986&page=10#post-384715 Mon, 15 Jun 2026 17:27:23 +0000 Tulyar 384715@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Thanks Chris for your updates &amp; the website</p> <p>Amazing that its 40 years since we had the running battles with feral natives at Pilton as I worked for Sustrans on this with a gang of the Bristol team chugging between Ferry Road and Granton Road</p> <p>As with many paths we built then, we used a basic drybound 'macadam' with a layer of finer 'dust' to blind the surface as a smooth pavement to roll over, at a fraction of the cost compared to tarmac </p> <p>The figures quoted seem to be jaw dropping, compared to how we were building pavements on minimal budgets 40 years ago</p> <p>For a start the curve from Abbeyhill Station to the East (long gone) may still have a long term value as a resilience detail between Craigentinny and Waverley especially if the commuting/local services need more train paths from the Borders (via Portobello) &amp; for Berwick/North Berwick </p> <p>I'd also note options for other uses that can complement the cycle route - with Sustrans we did deals to run broadband fibre cable alongside the path (faster &amp; cheaper than digging up the road)</p> <p>The route does offer a flatter profile than climbing Leith Walk and goes under some busy roads, with a possible route off the line where the road drops down from Regent Road to Holyrood</p> <p>From the tenor of Ben McPherson's speech I wonder if this indicates a move to revive the Community Programme deal as a route to training &amp; employment, working 21 hours per week (3 days) in place of signing on as unemployed. Sustrans were a bit smarter than many of the schemes and brought 60% of the allocated workforce in for 5 days a week....so the projects progressed faster but the participants gained skills and vacancies for work</p> <p>My work also delivered the 16 miles of the old railway as a cycle route for 10 years, but then enabled it to reopen as a railway so a huge resource that can be used in so many ways here especially avoiding the direct use of the die straight alignment of the rails &amp; creating a path that meanders between wide verges, providing long range visibility, without creating a 'drag-racing' strip for high speeds</p> <p>Careful placing of seats and features can also break-up the monotony of just running the path straight along the railway alignment - room for one of Mr Gormley's cast iron figures? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14986&page=10#post-384710 Mon, 15 Jun 2026 10:45:57 +0000 chdot 384710@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>“</p> <p>Leith SNP minister Ben Macpherson has backed a campaign for the former railway line between Lochend and Powderhall to be opened to the public. - Sarah Challen Flynn, The National.</p> <p>Read more about the campaign on <a href="http://www.Powderhall.Link" rel="nofollow">http://www.Powderhall.Link</a></p> <p>“</p> <p><a href="https://www.edinburghminute.com/r/909c4caa" rel="nofollow">https://www.edinburghminute.com/r/909c4caa</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14986&page=10#post-384698 Sun, 14 Jun 2026 12:29:50 +0000 chdot 384698@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Things are moving</p> <p><a href="http://www.powderhall.link/2026/06/14/active-travel-plans-for-capital-rail-line-backed-by-minister/" rel="nofollow">http://www.powderhall.link/2026/06/14/active-travel-plans-for-capital-rail-line-backed-by-minister/</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14986&page=10#post-384670 Thu, 11 Jun 2026 08:19:38 +0000 chdot 384670@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>“</p> <p>Prominent local safer-cycling campaigners have are pushing for the former railway line running from Lochend to Powderhall to be opened to the public. - Read more on <a href="Powderhall.Link">Powderhall.Link</a> (<a href="https://www.edinburghminute.com/" rel="nofollow">https://www.edinburghminute.com/</a>)</p> <p>“ </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14986&page=10#post-384526 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 08:31:31 +0000 chdot 384526@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>And now there’s a new website </p> <p><a href="http://powderhall.link/about/" rel="nofollow">http://powderhall.link/about/</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14986&page=10#post-384483 Thu, 28 May 2026 12:29:43 +0000 chdot 384483@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Some interesting photos from 2016 when line still in use (mostly taken from bridges)</p> <p>Contrasts with 10 years of naturally regeneration since if you go to same viewpoints </p> <p><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20250119193234/https://elrcl.co.uk/index.php/shrubhill-to-powderhall/" rel="nofollow">https://web.archive.org/web/20250119193234/https://elrcl.co.uk/index.php/shrubhill-to-powderhall/</a></p> <p>(Slow to load)</p> <p>…</p> <p>From consultation on new housing development </p> <p>“<br /> Need to future proof access - cycle path on adjacent railway. Ramps to be built in future. </p> <p>Cycle path may move at different speed from Powderhall development but access should be future proofed in-case acquisition of network rail land is delayed. </p> <p>“</p> <p><a href="https://consultationhub.edinburgh.gov.uk/sfc/powderhall/user_uploads/181114_powderhall_consultation_reporta_print_redacted.pdf" rel="nofollow">https://consultationhub.edinburgh.gov.uk/sfc/powderhall/user_uploads/181114_powderhall_consultation_reporta_print_redacted.pdf</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14986&page=10#post-384411 Sat, 23 May 2026 08:26:24 +0000 chdot 384411@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>This is relevant as it would be a ‘destination’ on an ‘open’ Powderhall line path. (The rail line continues to Jock’s Lodge but it seems likely that continuing past Lochend will be even more problematic than the rest of the route from St Mark’s Park)</p> <p><a href="https://www.edinburghinquirer.co.uk/p/the-history-and-tragedy-of-lochends" rel="nofollow">https://www.edinburghinquirer.co.uk/p/the-history-and-tragedy-of-lochends</a></p> <p>This is partly based on the Threadinburgh thread about the loch at Lochend by Andy Arthur - </p> <p><a href="https://threadinburgh.scot/2022/09/16/the-thread-about-lochend-loch-and-why-the-council-tried-to-fill-it-in-but-found-that-they-couldnt/" rel="nofollow">https://threadinburgh.scot/2022/09/16/the-thread-about-lochend-loch-and-why-the-council-tried-to-fill-it-in-but-found-that-they-couldnt/</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14986&page=10#post-384357 Tue, 19 May 2026 21:41:59 +0000 chdot 384357@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55280283782_f2ed69ed8e_c.jpg"></p> <p><a href="https://www.networkrail.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Route-Specification-Scotland-2021.pdf" rel="nofollow">https://www.networkrail.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Route-Specification-Scotland-2021.pdf</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14986&page=10#post-384349 Mon, 18 May 2026 22:47:58 +0000 chdot 384349@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>From last Sept</p> <p>“</p> <p>In the meantime, Councillor Caldwell is continuing to engage with Network Rail Scotland regarding some of the maintenance concerns on the boundary and bridges. He is also continuing to engage with Council officers to try and get this project done. </p> <p>.”</p> <p><a href="https://www.edinburghlibdems.org/news/article/update-on-the-powderhall-railway-line-path" rel="nofollow">https://www.edinburghlibdems.org/news/article/update-on-the-powderhall-railway-line-path</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14986&page=10#post-384324 Sun, 17 May 2026 20:12:52 +0000 chdot 384324@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Just catching up with ‘old stuff’</p> <p>“</p> <p>Ben Macpherson SNP for Edinburgh North Eastern and Leith </p> <p>6 May at 12:02 · Edinburgh </p> <p>Local SNP manifesto link, including that we/the SNP will support efforts to bring the former Powderhall railway line into use as a new walking and cycling route in the capital.</p> <p><a href="https://s3-eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/www.snp.org/uploads/2026/04/2026-04-27b-SNP-EDINBURGH-4pp.pdf" rel="nofollow">https://s3-eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/www.snp.org/uploads/2026/04/2026-04-27b-SNP-EDINBURGH-4pp.pdf</a></p> <p>“</p> <p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BenMacSNP/posts/local-snp-manifesto-link-including-that-wethe-snp-will-support-efforts-to-bring-/1343092897631986/" rel="nofollow">https://www.facebook.com/BenMacSNP/posts/local-snp-manifesto-link-including-that-wethe-snp-will-support-efforts-to-bring-/1343092897631986/</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14986&page=10#post-384263 Wed, 13 May 2026 21:13:34 +0000 chdot 384263@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>“</p> <p>“Green infrastructure in cities matters. Finding space for it is rare. And battling through the treacle to make projects like this happen is difficult, lengthy, and expensive. Which is why today’s announcement is so painful to make.” </p> <p>“</p> <p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/may/13/londons-answer-to-new-yorks-high-line-camden-scrapped" rel="nofollow">https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/may/13/londons-answer-to-new-yorks-high-line-camden-scrapped</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14986&page=10#post-384172 Sat, 09 May 2026 21:18:56 +0000 chdot 384172@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Previous stuff</p> <p>02/2017</p> <p>“</p> <p>The Powderhall railway branch line from Piershill is only used by refuse trains, so permanent closure of the plant leaves the track bed available for conversion to a multi-use/cycle path, subject to negotiations between CEC and Network Rail (NR). For cyclists and walkers this raises the exciting prospect of a traffic-free link south-eastwards from the extensive North Edinburgh path network. From Warriston allotments the new route, with intermediate access points, would go under Broughton Road, Leith Walk and Easter Road to Lochend Park. From there it’s only a short distance to the semi-tropical delights of Holyrood Park and beyond. The future of the Lochend–Piershill section of the line is unclear. A huge new development is planned for the eastern part of the Meadowbank site and, ideally, the new path would connect there. Although NR seems currently to favour retaining the option of a future Abbeyhill–Piershill loop line, this does not necessarily exclude a path link as well.—Tim Smith </p> <p>“</p> <p><a href="https://www.broughtonspurtle.org.uk/sites/default/files/backissues/Spurtle%20259%20Final.pdf" rel="nofollow">https://www.broughtonspurtle.org.uk/sites/default/files/backissues/Spurtle%20259%20Final.pdf</a></p> <p>12/2017</p> <p>“</p> <p>Cllr Susan Rae (Leith Walk) has received confirmation that the former Powderhall railway line remains safeguarded as a cycleway footpath in the Edinburgh Local Development Plan, and is a proposed QuietRoute within CEC’s 2016 Active Travel Plan. Proposals will be brought forward alongside development of the sites at Powderhall and Meadowbank, and Planning Convener Lesley Macinnes is already seeking talks with Network Rail. </p> <p>“</p> <p><a href="https://www.broughtonspurtle.org.uk/sites/default/files/backissues/Spurtle%20269%20Draft%202%20Hi%20Res.pdf" rel="nofollow">https://www.broughtonspurtle.org.uk/sites/default/files/backissues/Spurtle%20269%20Draft%202%20Hi%20Res.pdf</a></p> <p>“</p> <p>SLOW PROGRESS ON POWDERHALL RAILWAY PATH<br /> Submitted by Editor on Thu, 06/12/2018 - 11:32</p> <p>The Powderhall Railway Path Working Group met Leith Central Community Council’s Vice Chair and CEC officials from Active Travel and Housing yesterday. </p> <p>PRPWG comprises local residents keen to create a useful new East–West footway/cycle route on redundant track between Powderhall and Meadowbank. The meeting was to discuss next steps. </p> <p>The line is owned by Network Rail, and DB Cargo UK has a contract to operate freight services on it until 2019, even though Powderhall has closed as a waste transfer station. </p> <p>At yesterday’s meeting, officials agreed to undertake a scoping study. This will examine issues around surveying the route, land ownership, and the DB Cargo contract.</p> <p>PRPWG hopes to get Network Rail to agree in principle to parting with the line. With such an agreement in place, an approach could then be made to Sustrans for funding a feasibility study.</p> <p>Progress is slow, and obstacles ahead include: Network Rail’s potential wish to run trains on the Abbeyhill Loop; concerns on all sides not to get lumbered with very expensive repairs to bridges and embankments; unresolved questions about access and ownership along parts of the proposed route and at the far end of St Mark’s Park.</p> <p>Interested parties will meet again in February, before officials report to the Council’s North East Localities Committee in March.</p> <p>“</p> <p><a href="https://www.broughtonspurtle.org.uk/news/slow-progress-powderhall-railway-path" rel="nofollow">https://www.broughtonspurtle.org.uk/news/slow-progress-powderhall-railway-path</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14986&page=10#post-384124 Thu, 07 May 2026 23:26:16 +0000 chdot 384124@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Only just caught up with this</p> <p>LOTS of interesting content (and pages of box ticking tedium)</p> <p>“</p> <p>Jacobs </p> <p>Feasibility Study </p> <p>Powderhall Railway Path </p> <p>“</p> <p><a href="https://edinburgh.axlr8.uk/documents/47593/Powderhall%20Stage%201%20-%20Rev%202%20-%20Final%20R.pdf" rel="nofollow">https://edinburgh.axlr8.uk/documents/47593/Powderhall%20Stage%201%20-%20Rev%202%20-%20Final%20R.pdf</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14986&page=10#post-383938 Wed, 22 Apr 2026 21:37:00 +0000 chdot 383938@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Previously </p> <p><a href="https://threadinburgh.scot/2022/09/02/the-thread-about-powderhall-its-origins-railway-station-the-corporation-destructor-and-its-sporting-heritage/" rel="nofollow">https://threadinburgh.scot/2022/09/02/the-thread-about-powderhall-its-origins-railway-station-the-corporation-destructor-and-its-sporting-heritage/</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14986&page=10#post-383933 Wed, 22 Apr 2026 17:02:04 +0000 chdot 383933@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Pomona </p> <p>Had to look it up!</p> <p><a href="https://mousehouselife.wordpress.com/2023/10/25/escape-to-pomona-island/" rel="nofollow">https://mousehouselife.wordpress.com/2023/10/25/escape-to-pomona-island/</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14986&page=10#post-383932 Wed, 22 Apr 2026 15:25:55 +0000 Arellcat 383932@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>For comparison, this is the linear park now that is the ex-railway Castlefield viaduct:</p> <p><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54584495650_ba872bd30d_c.jpg"></p> <p>and there is plenty of scope to extend it further towards Pomona:</p> <p><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54584365184_a68c0482fe_c.jpg"></p> <p>Manchester of course also has a highly functional and well constructed tram network using former heavy rail routes and on-street running. </p>